"That spells ruin for us," groaned the inventor, who knew how things stood financially.
"Do you think, Mr. Pollard, that we'd better suggest to Mrs. Farnum to put a detective on her husband's trail?" asked Eph.
"That trail would probably lead straight through the Melvilles," said
Hal bitterly.
"No, don't do that—yet," replied Pollard.
"Mr. Farnum may be away on legitimate business," added Jack slowly.
Hal and Jack rowed Mr. Pollard ashore. After bidding the inventor good-bye, the two youths decided to go to the shipyard. As they were about to enter the office they were accosted by a man who was coming out. He asked them if they were in Mr. Farnum's employ.
"Yes, sir," Jack answered.
"Can you tell me where he is? The office force could give me no information."
"Mr. Farnum is away at present," said Jack.
"I know that! Where is he?"